Means for flowing wells



Oct l2,

H. C. GLITSCH MEANS FOR FLowING WELLS Filed March l1, 1940 5 Sh69ts sheet l Oct. l2, 1943. H. c. GLlTs'cH MEANS FQR FLowING wELLs y `Filed March ll, 1940 5 Sheets-$heet 2 Oct. 12, 1943. V H. Ac. GLlTscH y MEANS FOR FLOWING WELLS Filed March 11,` 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 .Ua/75 CIG/#sch v Oct. l2, 1943. H. c. GLlTscl-l i MEANS FOR FLOWING WELLS 5 sheets-sheet 4 Filed March 11, 1940 gmc/Mio@ Hana C. G/l's ch i.. all

M M f 4, 2 w j flfwm'/f m o s mmv u Oct. 12, 1943. H. c. GLlTscH 4 i 2,331,550

MEANS FOR LOWING WELLS l Filed March '11, 1940 5 sheets-sheet 5 Hans C. Cil/'isch Patented Oct. 12, 1943 MEANS FOR FLOWING WELLS Hans C. Glitsch, Dallas, Tex.,` to Fritz W. Glitsch & Sons, Dallas, Tex., a partnership Glitsch, Jr., and Hans C. Glitsch consisting of Fritz W. Glitsch, Sr., Fritz Application 'March' 11, 1940, seriali No. 323,417

13 claims. rc1.. ,10a-23g),

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in means for flowingwells.y

In the production of petroleum products from wells, it has become the general practice to utilize an auxiliary lifting uid, such as gas or air, for r raising the well fluids to the surface, such auxiliary lifting fluid being introduced into-'the well below the liquid level therein. For controlling the introduction of the lifting fiuid into the liquid column, various types of flow apparatuses have been employed, the most Acommon of which are referred to as flow valves. 'I'he usual type of flow valve is arranged to be automatically operated by the pressure differential thereacross and ordinarily, one side of .the valve is exposed to the pressure of the lifting gas with the opposite side' exposed to the pressure of the well liquid, whereby the differential in such pressures actuates the valve. I

ln many instances, a spring or other means, is arranged so that its force is added to one of the pressures so that the differential at which the valve operates may be predetermined and controlled. However, when the usual valve has once been set for a predetermined differential, it is opened, as well as closed, at such differential and cannot be operated at other differentials without changing the size of the various operating parts or strength of the springs. change, although it does vary the particular operating differential, does not permit an independent adjustment of the differential lat which the valve closes, as compared to the differential at which the valve opens and this is a serious disadvantage.

In many instances, a spring or other means, is arranged so that its expansive force is utilized `to create the differential at Whichthe valve op- Even such erates. In such valves, the flexible rangebetween the opening and closing differentials is very limited, so it may be stated, that for practical application, the opening and closing differentials are at the same point. Various devices have been, and may be, employed to change the operating differentials of the usual valve. It ischarac# teristic of ordinary valves that the factors which control the closing differential likewise directly affect the opening differential of the valve. It follows that the one can not be changed without changing the other. Similarly, it is `true `that the volumetric rate at which such valvesv will admit the lifting fluid is a direct function of the differential thereof. It may then be stated that in the conventional valve, a change indifferential will effect a changein the rate of admission of lifting fluidand that a change for the purpose of restricting the rate of passage of lifting fluid will affect the characteristics of the valve, and may affect the differential either directly or indirectly. l

Further, some of theiiowvalves, now in general use, employv pistons or-other sliding elements for effecting a 'seal or closure, and as is well known, it is very diflicultto obtain a fluid tight seal by meansY of -a sliding element; also,V in the usual valve, the `control of thevolume of lifting fluid which is introducedusuallyaffects the dif-` ferential at which the valve operates since no provisioniis made for an independent control of vohune." If the control of the volume of vlifting fluid is attempted in the usual valve by changing of port sizes or passages by or through the valve ports the closing differential is usually affected adversely: because of'lback pressuring at the outlet side of the ivalve or decrease in effective pistonarea subjected to the closing pressures The above disadvantages are objectionable and -the presence of any one of such ydisadvantages ina valve impairs the efficient operationof thevalve. It is one of the objects of the present invention to providean improved means for controlling the admission of an auxiliary lifting fluid, such as gas or air, 'into awell liquid column, said means being constructedvso as to overcome thegdisadvantages present in the lusual control meanscf. this kind.' f

An importantv object of the invention is to provide an improved `flow apparatus having a valve element which is actuated by the pressure differential thereacross and which is so arranged that the differential required'toclose the valve element may be controlled independently of the differential required Y to open said element, whereby vthe yapparatus maybe setto assure a prelxietermined W'ell liquid column'to bejbuilt.v up in the well 'before the lifting gas is admitted and f at the same time provide for a closing of the valve element as soon as sufcient lifting fluidhas been admitted to efficiently lift theparticular icolumn of liquid, thereby conserving the lifting nuid and preventing undue waste thereof. Anothei` object of the invention is to provide a improved means for controlling the admittance of a lifting gas into a well liquid column which includes a` control element actuated by the differential between the pressure of the lifting gas and the pressure of the well liquid to `introduce gas into aliquidjcolumn when a predetermined differ- 'entialf-is reached, whereby the gas is admitted into theliquid and raises the same,;togetherwith means for closing off the admittance of gas when a predetermined pressure differential across the element occurs, the latter differential being different, and even less, than the differential at which the gas was admitted, whereby an accurate control of the lifting gas may be maintained under any well conditions.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an improved flow apparatus having a movable valve element which is adapted to be moved from opened to closed position by the pressure differential thereacross, said element being constructed so that its direction of movement may be changed at any point in its travel, whereby said valve may be fully reopened at any point in its closing cycle or closed at any point in its opening cycle, thereby providing for quick and efilcient operation in accordance with pressureV conditions.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved iiow apparatus for controlling the admission of a lifting gas into a well liquid column having means for positively adjusting and controlling the volume of gas introduced upon each actuation of the device, said means being entirely separate from the actuating parts of the device, whereby an adjustment or change in the volume of gas admitted does not subject the valve element to a back pressuring prior to the admittance of the gas to the fluid column and, therefore, does not aiiect or change the diiferential, or differentials, atwhich the device operates.

A further object ofthe invention is to provide an improved flow apparatus, of the Vcharacterdescribed, wherein'a piston type valve element is employed for controlling the now of lifting gas into the liquid column, said element having a valve seat associated therewith, whereby when the element moves to a closed position, the seat provides a positive shut-off to prevent leakage past the element.

Another object ofthe invention is to provide an improved flow apparatus, of the character described, having va valve element which is adapted to open the inlet to a full-open position upon initial opening movement, whereby substantially no restriction to the ow of admitted gas is had as it enters the liquid column; said valve element also being adapted to substantially cut off all iiow upon its initial closing movement, thereby making for a snap-action, and thus providing a quick-opening and quick-closing valve.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an improved `ilow apparatus including a valve element which is rotatable, as well as movable longitudinally, whereby the advantages of both a rotary and sliding type of valve element are combined in the single member.

A construction designed to carry 'out Ythe invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features of the invention.

The invention will be morereadily understood from a reading of the following speciflcation and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example'of the invention is shown, and wherein:- t

Figure i isa transverse, vertical sectional view of a flow apparatus, constructed in accordance with the invention, the valve element being shown in yits closed position, Figure 2 is an enlarged transverse, sectional view `of a portion :of the apparatus with the valve element in its lowered enclosed position,

Figure 3 is a view, taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2, with the valve element in its raised or open position,

Figure 4 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view,

5 taken on the line 4-4 of Figure l,

Figure 5 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken on the line 5-5of Figure 1,

Figure 6 is a horizontal, cross-sectional View, taken on the line 6--6 of Figure 1,

Figure 'I is a horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken on the line 1-1 of Figure 1,

Figure 8 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken on Ythe line 8-8 of Figure l,

Figure 9 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view, 15 taken on the line' 9-9 of Figure 1,

Figure 10 is a-horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken on the line Ill- I of Figure 2,

Figure 11 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken on the line ll-II of Figure 3,

Figure 12 is an elevation of the actuating sleeve or collar Which imparts rotation to the valve element, the pin being shown at the lower end of the slot in said sleeve in the position corresponding to that in Figure 2,

Figure 13 is a similar View, with the pin in the upper end of said slot and in the position corresponding to that in Figure 3,

Figure 14 is an isometric view of the locking element,

Figures l to 19 are views, partly in section and partly in elevation, illustrating the co-action between the valve element and actuating sleeve during movement of the element, and also showing the locking mechanism for the sleeve,

Figure 20 is a View, partly in section andpartly in elevation of a modified form of mechanism for imparting rotation to the Valve element,

Figure 21 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on the line 2 l--2l of Figure 20,

40 Figure 22 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view,

taken on the line 22--22 of Figure 20,

Figure 23 is an enlarged view, partly in elevation and partly in section of the mechanism shown in Figure 20,

Figure 24 is an enlarged view, partly in elevation and partly in section of still another form of the invention,

Figure 25 is asimilar View, taken opposite of the side that is shown in Figure 24,

Figure 26 is an enlarged elevation of the spring housing employed in this modication of the invention,

Figure 2'7 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 21-21 of Figure 26,

Figure 28 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view. taken on the line 28-28 of Figure 2S, and

Figures 29 to 3l are views, similar to Figure 28, illustrating the operation of the spring which imparts rotation to the valve element during longitudinal movement thereof.

.-In the-drawings, the numeral I0 designates a well casing which extends axially through a, well bore. The lower end of the casing is open and communicates with the producing formation, `whereby the Well liquid may flow into the casing and then upwardly therethrough to the surface. A well tubing ll extends axially through the well casing substantially throughout its length and serves to conduct an auxiliary lifting fluid, such as gas and air, downwardly to the lower portion of the casing below the well liquid level, as will be explained. For controlling the flow of the lifting gas or air from the well tubing Il and into the liquid standing within the well casing, the improved flow apparatus A is provided and this apparatus is arranged to be coupled to the lower end ofthe tubing II, as 'is clearly shown in Figure 1. The apparatus is actuated by predetermined pressure differentials thereacross and is constructed so as to admit the lifting gas into the well liquid after saidliquid has risen to a predetermined height within the Well casing II). As soon as the liquid column is moved upwardly by the admitted auxiliary lifting gas, then the apparatus is arranged to shut off the ilow of gas. The device remains in a closed or shut-off position until such time as sufficient well liquid has again entered the casing I from the producing formation and fhasrisen to a predetermined height therein, after which the operation is repeated. Although the apparatus A is shown as controlling the flow of the auxiliary gas from the tubing into thewell casing, it is pointed out that said device could control the admittance of gas from the upper portion of the casing into the well tubing, such arrangement being employed if the. well tubing II is utilized as the liquid conductor, with the well casing employed as the auxiliary gas` conductor. In this instance, it would, ofcourse, be sometimes necessary to employ a packer, as is the usual practice.

The improved flow apparatus A includes an elongate tubular body portion I2 which has its upper end coupled to the tubing II by means of a suitable coupling collar I2'. The lower end of the tubular body I2 has av cylinder I3 oonnected thereto, and thisV cylinder is provided with an axial bore I4 which extends entirely therethrough. The lower end of the cylinder has a coupling collar I5 secured thereto and an elon gate tubular plug member I6 is threaded onto the lower end of the collar I5. The lower portion of the plug I6 has a plurality of radial ports I1 provided therein,V whereby the interior of the plug will communicate with the bore of the Well casing I0 so that pressure from said casing may enter the interior of the plug.

A cylindrical valve element or piston has a sliding i'lt within the bore I4 of the cylinder I3 and, as is clearly shown in Figures 3, 10, and 11, a pair of diametrically opposed flutes or grooves 2| are formed in the exterior wall of the piston. The piston 2U is movable longitudinally in the bore I4 and is also rotatable therein, as will be hereinafter explained. A rotation of the piston within the bore I4 of the cylinder permits an alinement of the flutes 2l with a pair of diametrically opposed ports 22, whichports are formed in and extend through the wall of the cylinder I3 (Figure l1). The upper end of the piston is formed with an external annular shoulder or flange 23 and the lower end of this ange is beveled to form a seating surface 24. The inclined seating surface 24 is arranged to engage a seat 25 provided at the upper end of the bore I4 of the cylinder I3. When the surface 24 engages the valve seat-25, it will be manifest that a closing oi of the bore I4 will be eiected and, also, further downward movement of the piston 20 within said bore is prevented. When the piston is moved upwardly so as to move the seating surface 24 off the seat 25, as shown in Figure 3, a flow of gas may occur from above the cylinder, downwardly through the flutes ,2| in the piston and then through the ports 22 provided in the cylinder Ywall. Therefore, when the piston is in its lowest position, a ilow through the ports 22 is impossible. An upward movement rof the piston 20, together with an alinement of Vtubular body I2 of the apparatus.

the flutes 2| with the ports 22 permits a'flowfrom above the piston outwardly through said ports 22.

For controlling the volume of gas which passes from the ports'22 and then into the interior of the casing I0, a collar 26 is provided and this collar surrounds the cylinder' i3. v As is clearly shown in Figure 3, the collar 26 has its lower end threaded to the upper end of the coupling I5, while its upper end abuts an external shoulder 21 which is formed on the cylinderA I3. The collar 26 has a plurality of outlet ports 28 `extending through its side wall and the area of these ports controls the amount or thevolume of gas which ilows into the interior of the well casing I Il. Manifestly, the collar 26 isreadily removable and may be replaced by another collar having smaller or. larger ports 28, whereby the volume of gas enteringfthe casing may be readily varied. It is noted that the collar is entirely separate from the movable valve element or piston 20 and, therefore, any change in the size of the ports in the collar 25 will not affect the operation of the piston 20.

As explained, lthe downward movement of the piston 20 is limited by the external flange 23 formed at the upperend of the piston. Forlimiting the upward movement of the piston 20, said piston has an externally threaded pin 29 formed on its lower end. This pin receives an adjusting nut 30, which has a diameter larger than the diameter of the piston 2i), said nut being movable within the bore of the tubular plug I6, as is clearly shown in Figure 1. The nut 30 may `be moved to various positions on the pin 29 and upon upward movement of the piston, will strike the underside of the coupling I5 to limit the upward movement of said piston. Obviously, the position of the nut on the pin 29 will control the movement which the piston may undergo Yin its upward travel. i

The piston is formed with an integral cylindrical extension 32 which extends upwardly through the tubular body I2 and also through the coupling I2 and into the lower end of the tubing I I. This extension isprovide'd with a reduced portion 3I which is immediately above the external flange V23. The provision ofthe reduced portion 3 I forms an external shoulder 33 on the extension. For guiding the extension in its axial movement as the piston 2B undergoes movement, a guide collar 34 is mounted within the coupling I 2 and said collar is formed with vertical passages 35, whereby the lifting gas from the tubing may pass downwardly through said collar and into the The extreme upper end of the extension 33 is reduced and externally screwthreaded to provide an elongate threaded screw 3S. A coil spring 3l surrounds the reduced upper end of the'exten'sion and has its lower endresting on the guide collar '3d which is xed within the bore of the coupling I3. The upper end of the spring engagesa bearing collar 38 which forms the lower race of a bearing asfsembly 39. The upper race of the assembly is in the form of a nut V4i which isthreaded onto the elongate pin 3E. Obviously, the collar 38 is rotatable with relation to the nut 4G. Since the coil spring 31 is ,conned between the stationary guide collar 34`and'the bearing collar 33 which is mounted on the extension 32, itis obvious that said spring exerts its pressure to constantly urge the extension, andalso the' piston which isa part of said extension, upwardly,` whereby the piston is constantly urged toward its raised or open position.` By adjusting the nut 4i) vertically on the elongate screw' 36, the' tension on the spring 3T may be varied, whereby `said Vspring exerts a predetermined pressure in urging the valve element toward its upper position. For locking the nut in various adjusted positions, on the elongate pin 36, said pin is provided with ar vertical slot 4I (Figure 4), while the nut has a radial `opening 42 formed therein. The nut also has an annular channel within which a spring M is arranged to engage. The spring has an inwardly extending pin formed thereon and t-his pin is arranged to extend through the radial opening 42 of the nut with its inner end engaglng the vertical slot or channel 4I of the elongate pin 36 when and so engaged, the nut It!) is locked on the screw-threaded pin 36v and is incapable of rotation thereon. The purpose of the bearing assembly 39- is to permit the adjusting nut 4! to rotate with the piston 20 and its extension 32,

while permitting the coil spring 31 and its collar f 38 to remain stationary, whereby friction during rotation of the valve element is reduced.

As has been explained, the well liquids enter the lower end of the well casing Ii) and rise upwardly therein. The pressure of the liquid column within the well casing may* act against the lower end of the piston 2i) because of the communication between the interior of the plug I6 and the interior of the casing through the ports I1. after referred to as the casing pressure, is added to the force exerted bythe coil spring 31 in urging the piston 20 and its associate parts, to a raised or opened position. The upward movement or opening of the valve element is resisted vby the pressure of the auxiliary lifting gas which is introduced into the upper end of the well tubing II and which is acting downwardly on the upper end of the valve element. Thus, the pressure of the lifting gas serves to urge the valve element toward a closed position, while the pressure within the well casing, plus the pressure of the coil spring 31 is acting to move said element in an opposite direction toward an open position.

Ordinarily, the pressure of the lifting gas is in excess of any pressure which is built up by the liquid column within the well casing and for the purposes of this description, it will be assumed that the lifting gas pressure is 400 pounds. This pressure of 400 pounds is acting downwardly on the valve element to hold the piston 20 in its lowered position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The force or pressure exerted by the coil spring 31 is, of course, subject to variation by an adjustment of the nut 40 and this pressure acts oppositely to the pressure of the lifting gas. For example, the spring pressure or force may be 300 pounds. In addition to the coil spring 3l, the pressure Within the casing I0 also acts upwardly against the bottom of the piston 20. If the lifting gas pressure is 400 pounds and the spring pressure is 300 pounds, it becomes apparent that when the pressure in the casing builds up in excess of 100 pounds, the piston 2U will be moved upwardly toward an open position. Under these conditions, the opening differential which is established is the difference between the pressure of the lifting gas, which is 400 pounds, and the pressure in the casing which is 100 pounds, or a difference of 300 pounds.

Upon the initial upward movement of the piston 20 a rotating mechanism B, which will be hereinafter described, serves to impart a rotation to the piston. Such a rotation alines the longitudlnal flutes 2l in the piston with the radial L This pressure, which will be hereinports 22 in the cylinder I3, whereby said ports 22 are opened to receive a flow of the lifting gas. The initial upward movement of the piston 20 lifts the flange 23 off its seat 25 and thus the gas may flow downwardly from the tubing I I through the passages 35 in the guide sleeve 34, through the tubular body portion I2 and then downwardly through the longitudinal flutes 2l and the openings 22 in the cylinder I3. The gas then flows through the outlet ports 28 in the control collar 2S, which ports control the volume or amount of gas introduced. As the gas enters the liquid column within the well casing I0, the pressure in the casing is built up, whereby this pressure is added to the normal casing pressure and acts against Jthe underside of the piston 20 to force the piston upwardly to the position shown in Figure 3. The piston will, of course, continue upward movement until the nut 3U which is secured to the threaded pin 29 on the lower end of the piston strikes the lower end of the cylinder, at which time further upward movement of the valve element is prevented. During the interval Athat the` valve element is completing its upward travel, the lifting gas is constantly admitted to the liquid column in the casing IU and this gas will begin to move the column upwardly.

It has been found that prior to the time that the liquid -column begins its upward movement, the pressure in the well casing I0 is built up by the introduced or admitted lifting gas until such pressure approaches the pressure of said lifting gas. However, this pressure never reaches the same pressure as the lifting gas although it may approach the same relatively closely. Of course, as soon as the column begins to move upwardly and the velocity of said column is gradually increased, the pressure in the casing I0 begins to.

fall. Upon being lowered to a predetermined point, the valve element begins to move downwardly and upon such initial downward movement, the rotary mechanism B imparts rotation to the piston 20, whereby the flutes 2I are again misalined with the outlet ports 22 in the cylinder i wall so that immediately, substantially all of the gas supplied to the casing is shut ofi.

The pressure differential at which the valve element begins its downward movement is different from the pressure dilerential which was required to open said valve element. It will be remembered that a 300 pound opening differential was established due to the fact that the coil spring 37 was exerting substantially a 300 pound pressure at the time that the valve is in its fully closed position. However, as the valve moved upwardly to an open position, the spring 31 expanded, whereby its force, as exerted against the valve element, is reduced. The exact reduction in the force exerted by the spring is obviously controlled by the amount of movement of the valve element which movement is, in turn, controlled by the adjustment of the nut 30 on the lowerend of the piston 2U. Thus, it is possible to permit the valve element to move upwardly any desired distance so that the spring is extended to the point where its force, as exerted against the piston, is reduced to a predetermined point, as for example, pounds. Thus, when the valve element has completed its upward movement, the coil spring 3l is exerting only 100 pounds pressure in an upward direction on said valve element. The pressure of the lifting gas within the tubing remains substantially constant and is still exerting approximately 400 pounds `downwardly on said valve element. However,

since the gas has `been admitted into the casing and the pressure in said'casing has been built up to substantially 350 pounds, vit willbe manifest that this casing pressure, plus the pressure of the expanded spring 31, is sufficient to hold the valve in an open position. As the pressure in the casing begins to drop due to the lifting of the liquid column, the force exerted against the underside of the piston 20 is reduced. When this pressure falls to slightly less than 300 pounds, the valve element 20 will begin to move downwardly. The initial downwardmovement will result in a rotation of the valve element,lwhereby `the flutes 2| in the piston are moved out of alinement with the ports22 toshut off substantially all flow of gas into the casing. Thus, it will be seen that the closing differential is the difference between the 400 pounds lifting gas pressure and the 300 pounds pressure in the well casing ID, which difference is 100 pounds. They valve thus closes at a, differentialv of only 100 pounds, whereas a differential of 300. pounds will open said valve. e

From the above, it will be Aobvious-.that the coil spring 31 controls the opening differential, that is, by adjusting the nut 40, said spring may be arranged to cause the valve to open when the pressure within the casing reaches any predetermined proportion of the pressure of the lifting gas in the tubing The closing differential which isvnecessary to actuate the valve element 20 is controlled by the adjusting nut 30 which is threaded on the pin 29 at the lower end of the piston 20; By adjusting this nut, it is possible to accurately control the exact amount of travel l which the valve element undergoes in moving upwardly. 'I'his travel will in turn control the amount of expansion of the spring 3`| and will, therefore, definitely control the reductionin the force exerted by such spring.v The force which With this arrangement, it is `possible to provide a high opening differential, whereby a predetermined liquid column must be built up in the well casing l before the valve element moves upwardly to admit the lifting gas. Of course, after the valve has opened and admitted suii'icient gas beneath the liquid head to lift said head to the surface, it is desirable to close the valve as soon thereafter as Ipossible so as; to conserve the lifting gas. The apparatus shown permits the valve to have a low-closing differential available so that it will immediately close afterl the liquid column has beenv moved upwardly. As has been explained, when the piston 20 is in its lowered or shut-off position, the 1ongitudinal flutes 2| in said piston are misalined with the ports 22'provided -in thecylinder wall lalined with the ports 22 and lupon initial downward movement ofl said piston, a reverse rotation is imparted to the piston, whereby theflutes are returned to theirrrmisalined position with respect to the ports22. Various types of mechanisms and devices which may be employed for ,imparting this partial rotation to the piston 20 vto 191.` and particularly in Figuresy 15 to 19.

The mechanism B includes an elongate sleeve 59 Whichis mounted within thefbore of the tubular body l2 and is non-rotatably-conned between the upper end ofl the cylinder I3 and the lower end ofthe guide collar 34 (Figure 3). Thissleeve is provided with an elongate vertical kslot or opening 5| which is substantially semicircular in cross-section, asis clearly shown in Figures 6 and 7., A semicircular shoe 52 is slidably mounted within the elongates1ot-5l and this shoe is formed with an inclinedslot 53 which extends entirely therethrough.v A radially extending pin 54 engages within the slot53 ofthe shoe and this pin is fastened within the extension 32 of the valve element. v When the valve element is in its lowermost 'or shut-olf position, as shown inY Figure `2, the pin 54 is Iin the lower end of the slot 53 (Figure 12). As the valve elenient -begins to move upwardly, the shoe 52 is locked against upwardfmovement, as will be explained, whereby thepin 54' is caused to move upwardly through the slot 53 in said shoe. As said pin moves upwardly in the slot 53, a rotation is `imparted to the extension 32 as. well as to the piston 20 and such rotation is sufficient to'align the flutes 2| with the openings 22 in the cylinder wall. When the pin reaches the upper end of the slot 53, the shoek 52 .is released so that a l continued upward movement of the valve element will result in a simultaneous upward movement of the shoe 52 the slot 5| Yof the 2 53-of said shoe,l as shown in VFigures 3 and 13,

said'pin havingbeen moved Vto such position upon the upward movement of f Athe valve element.

`Upon the initial downward movementv of the valve element due to the proper pressure differ- 'VentiaL the shoe 52 is again locked lagainst move- `ment and thevpin 54 is caused to `travel downwardly through -the slot 53. Such a downward movement of they pinuthrough the slot 53 results in a reverse rotation-of the extension 32 and the piston29, whereby {the flutes 2| in said piston are again. misalined with the ports 22 in the cylinder |3. As soon as this'occurs, the flow of gas 'through said flutes and into the interior of the -valve element will result in a downward movement of the shoe52 `within the slot-` 5| of its sleeve 5D. Thus, it willbe seen Vthat ,the valve element is a combination rotary and slide valve. Upon initial upward movement, the flutes 2| are first alined with the ports 22, whereby a substantially unrestricted flow ofgas Vis permitted past the valve element. `The ports remain in this position until upward travel of the valveelement is complete, at which time a downward movement of said element causes a rotation to immediately shutoff :theow of .-gas thereby.

-slot 58 provided in the sleeve 50.

For locking the arcuate shoe 52 against movement upon the initial movement in a given direction of the valve element, a locking member 55 is provided (Figure 14). This member includes an arcuate body portion 55 which is arranged to lit snugly about the reduced portion 3| of the extension 32. The body 56 is formed with a vertical rib 51 which extends through a The rib 51 has a transverse width which Vis less than the Width of the slot 58, whereby a space 59 is provided between one vertical Wall of the rib and the side of Ythe slot. A suitable spring member 60 (Figure 19) hasone end secured in the wall of the rib 51 and is adapted to bear against the end or side Wall'of the slot 58, whereby the rib is frictionally held against movement within the slot 58. Of course, a suiicient force exerted against the member 55 will result `in a vertical sliding movement of the member, the rib 51 moving through the slot while the arcuate body of said member slides on the reduced portion 3| of the extension 32.

The body portion 56 on the member 55 is formed with a radially extending locking block 6|, which block is adapted to abut one end wall of the slot 5| which is formed in the sleeve 5i) (Figure '1). One vertical wall of the block 6| Vis formed with a pair of inclined locking faces position, the locking block 6|v is located at sub- A stantially the central portion of the slot 63 and the pin 54 is disposed at the lower end of the inclined slot 53 of the arcuate shoe 52. It is noted that the locking member 55 is frictionally held in this position by means of the spring member 60 which is holding the rib 51 on said locking member in frictional engagement with one side wall of saidfslot. Upon initial upward movement of the valve element 2U, the pin 54 which is secured' to said element bears against the inclinedslot 53 of the arcuate shoe 52 and moves said shoe upwardly therewith. The shoe is permitted to move to the position shown in Figure 16, whereby the inclined face 53D of the slot in said shoe strikes the inclined face 62a of the block 5|. The block has, of course, been held stationary during such movement due to the spring 5U holding the same frictionally in a xed position. As soon as the inclined face 63o of the slot 53 moves into engagement with the inclined face 62a of the block 6|, the cam action which occurs by virtue of the inclined faces, causes the arcuate shoe 52 to move outwardly into engagement with the wall of the tubular body I2, whereby a frictional engagement sufficient to prevent further movement of the shoe is accomplished.

As soon as the arcuate shoe 52 is locked against further movement, a continued upward movement of the valve element causes the pin 54 to travel upwardly in the inclined slot 53 and such travel imparts a rotary motion to the valve element 20. As explained, such rotation of the valve element results in an alinement of the longitudinal'flutes 2| with the ports 22. Of course, the initial upward movement of the valve element unseated vthe Aflange 23 from its seat 25 and as soon as the 'fiut'esare lined with the ports 22, a flow of gas may occur -into the casing.

Just prior to the time that lthe pin 54 which is carried by the element 2U moves into the upper end of the slot 53 of vthe shoe 52, the external shoulder 23 formed at the -upper end of the piston 20 strikes Ithe underside of the ylocking member 55,V as is' clearly shown in Figure 17. As soon as the ange engages the underside of the member 55, said member'ismoved upwardly with vthe valve element 20. Of course, at this time, the shoe 52 is incapable vof movement. As the blocl: 6| is moved upwardly withrelation to the shoe y52, said block moves lto the position shown in Figure 18, at which position, the cam action between the co-acting faces of the block and the slot 63 permit an inward movement of the shoe, whereby the frictional engagement of the shoe, with the wall of the body 2, is released. After this occurs, a continued upward movement of the piston 20 results in a similar upward movement of both lthe shoe 52 `and the locking member 55. l

When the element has completed its upward travel, as determined by the adjustment of the limiting nut 3D, the parts are in the position shown in Figure 3, in which position the pin `54 is at the upper end of the inclined slot 53 within the Shoe. `Upon the initial `downward movement of the valveelement, the pin 54 bears downwardly on 4one side of -the slot 53, whereby a downward movement is imparted to the shoe. At this time, the locking block 6 I is'held stationary by the 'friction `set up by the spring 60. as has been explained. As .the shoe moves downwardly `with relation to the locking block, the coacting faces 'B2 and 63a, result in an outward -or radial movementlof theishoe 52, whereby said shoe is `'frictionally Vlocked against movement. A

continued movement of the valve element in a downward direction causes the pin 54 to traverse `the -slot 53 in said shoe, whereby said element is rotated to again misaline the iiutes 2| with the rports `22 in the'cylinder. As soon as this occurs, Ysubstantially all flow of gas from the tubing is shutoi. Just prior to the time that the pin 54 reaches the `extreme lower 'end of the inclined slot '53, the external shoulder V33 on the exten sion 32 strikes the upperendof the locking element vor ymember 55. This results in a down- Ward movement of thelocking member with relation to the-shoe 52, whereby the locking block is againimoved to the 'centralportion `of the Vshoe 52. Such movement of :the block 5| 'to the central portion of the slot 63 permits a slight in- Ainitial movement in either direction. Upon up- Vward movement, the valveis rotated to aline the flutes with the portsf22 in the cylinder and there by admit gas to the casing. Upon initial downward movement of the valve element, theelement is rotated backto itsoriginal position misalining the .fluteswith theopenings 22, whereby the `gas is shutoff. 'Ihezarrangement makes fora full opening and full closing im'rnedia'telyz-fi'ipon` movementI of the valvemember. At thefinitial A52. Thus, it is possible tovchange direction of' travel of the valve element at any point between wide open and completely closed position. -Thisis an important feature of the invention for it permits the closingdiiere'ntial, ascontrolled by the adjusting nut 35, to be varied over a wide range. f l Y In the operation of the device,l the' flow apparatus is connected to the lower endlof Vthe tubing II and is lowered therewith into the well casing. At such time, the lifting gas is intro-L ducedinto the tubing and moves the'valve-element 25 to its lower position, as shown'i'n Figures 1 and 2. The lifting gas pressure'isacting downwardly on the valve element, while the pressure within the casing I is 'acting upwardly M against said element, such casing pressure en# tering the tubular plug l'through the port I'I, as has been explained. The casing'pressure is assisted in urging the valve elementupwardly toward an open position against the lifting gas pressure by the coil spring 3I. This spring' may' be adjusted by the nut 4U, whereby a predeter-l mined pressure must be built up in the casing before the valve element 2U is moved upwardly.

When the predeterminedpressureis 'built up within the casing through the building up'of a liquid column therein, the valve begins to move upwardly. As it does so, the arcuate "shoe 52 is raised sufhciently with relationwto the locking block 6| to lock said sleeve against movement within the tubular body I2. As soon as this occurs, a continued upward movement of the Valve element Zcauses the pin 54 carried -bysaid element to move upwardly `in the inclinedl slot 53 in the arcuate shoe 52. Such movement im# parts a rotation to the valve element, whereby the longitudinal flutes 2| in said elementare alined with the ports 22 in the cylinder wall. The lifting of the valve element lifts-the annular ange 23 off its seat 25 and as soon `asithe Vliutes 2| are lined with the ports, gas may flow from the tubing downwardly past the seat 25, through the ilutes 2l, and out through the ports 22. The gas then flows through the outlet 28 in the control collar 26 and into the casing to acty against the liquid column therein. l As soon as the flutes 2| have beeny alined with the ports 22, the locking Vblocktl is movedupwardly within the slot 63 of the arcuate Vshoe 52 so as t0 permit said shoe to release its frictional grip on the wall of the bodyI 2, after which the arcuate shoe and locking block 5| move 11pwardly with the valve member 25. Upward movement of said element continues until 'the adjusting nut strikes the underside ofthe cylinder within which the valve piston is movable. The valve remains in an open position until the pressure in the casing drops to a point where the pressure of the lifting gas acting on the upper end of the valve element is suiiicient to overcome such pressure,` plus the pressureof` the'spring` 31. As soon as this occurs, the valve element begins to move downwardly and upon initial downward movement the arcuate shoe 52 is again locked against the wall of the tubular body I2; whereby the pin 54 on the valve element is'- again caused to travel downwardly through the inclinedslot 53 of 'said' shoe. Such vtravel causes the' valve element to be-rotated so as to misalin'ethe ute's 2| with the outlet ports 22 and thereby shut'o'i the ow of gas to the casing. Afcontinued downward movement of the valve element will result in a release of the frictionalv engagement between the shoe and the body I2, whereby-said shoe, aswell as the locking block may move downwardly with the valve element. Upon reaching its lowermost position, the annular ilange 23 having the `seating surface 24 engages the seat25 to provide a fluid-tight seal at this point. Thereforafthe shutting off eiected by misalinement of the ilutes l 2| and the ports 22 isnot alone depended vupon to seal 01T the gas fromthe casing. The seating surface 24 and the seat 25 provide a positive shutoff, whereby no matter how long said valvemay remain closed, any leakage of the gas into the casing is obviated.

The opening differential or the differential in pressures required to start the valve element upwardly toward its open position is controlled by the adjustment of the nut which controls the pressure exerted by the spring l31. The closing differential is controlled by f adjusting nut V30, which limits the upward movement of the valve element and lalso controls the reduction in the force of the spring 31 `due Sto the expansion of said spring, as has been explained. Thes'eadjusty ments are entirely separate and distinct'fand, therefore, the closing differential may be adjusted independently` of the opening differential, and 'vice versa. The volume or amount of'gasV which isintroduced uponV actuation of the valve f element 20 is controlled by the size ofthev openings 28 in the collar 25 which surrounds the cylinder I3. This collar -i's readily removable and may be removed at anytime,v whereby another collar having different sized' openings 28 may be substituteatherefor. In this manner, the v01- ume of gas which is introduced into the'w'ell casing may be controlled independently of the ad` 1 justment made with respect to the necessary dif; ferentials for Ioperationof the valve element 25. Manifestly, the valveelement 20 need not traverse its entire path'of travelas it .may move anyjde` sired distance and then start in a reverse direc;l

tion. Whether th'e'ivalve moves entirely from the i position shown in Figure 2 to that shown, inFig-` urey 3- or whether it moves only, a part of such distance, thev locking Amechanismas r'well as the arcuate shoe 52 willoperate in exactlythe same manner. Whenever theudirection of travel of the element is reversed; `these parts come into action to irst'rotate the valve yelement and then permit theremainder of the longitudinal travel to be completed. v I v As "has been stated, various typesl of rotary mechanisms may be provided for'imparting the necessary 4rotation. to they valve elementA 25 upon initial movement thereof and in Figures 2O 1:0723, a modied form of mechanism has been shown. In this form, a sleeve a is substituted for the sleevey 50 in the form shown in Figures 1w to 1 9. This sleeve is of a smaller diameter than` the sleeve 55 and jis-confined between the guide collar 34 and the upper end of the cylinder I3. The sleeve is formed with lateral ports I0 which establisha communication between .the wellwtubing 'I-I and the bore- I4 on the cylinder. An elongate slot 7|V is formed in the wall of the sleeve 50a slot. A pivoted latch member 13 having its ends reduced, as shown in Figures 20v and 23.,` is pivotal ly mounted on a suitable pin 1tl and said latchis arranged to swing transversely within the: slot. A spring hasone end engaging an outwardly extending pin 16 formedon one endofthe latch 13, while its opposite end isiliiedV to the outer snrface of the ,slleeve 50a below the slot. The spring 15 serves to hold the latch 19 in the position shown in Figure 20.-`

The valve element 2i) is provided with an outwardly extending pin 11, which projects into the slot 1| of the sleeve. When the'valve element is in its lowered position, closing off the gas. sup ply to the casing,v the pinisin the positionf shown inFigure 20. Upon initial upwardmovement of the valve element, the pin; 11' strikesthefedgeA of the rlatch member 13 and is guided upwardly along the curved surface thereof'. Continued upward` movement of the element causes the pinto travel upwardly between the latchl member and one side ofthe slot 1| and such travel of` thepin imparts a rotation to the valve element. It is this rotation which alines the flutes 2|. intheI valve element with the openings 22 in the: cylinder as has been explained.

As the pin 11 movesiupwardly toward the. upper end of the latch member 13, the latch member is` forced to swing undertension of the spring 15, whereby the pin is permitted to.` moveinto I the upper end of the slot 1|. lAs soon as thepin passes the upper end of the latch member 1,'3; the spring` 15 immediately moves the latch, mem:- ber back to its original position which is that shown in Figure 20. It, iamanifest that the arrangement causes a rotation to be imparted to the valve element, which rotation alines the flutes 2| with the ports 22 and permits an admission of gas into the wellcasing. Upon downward movement of the valve olement toward its closed position, the. pin; 1f| carried by said element rides the opposite edge of the latch member 13. The engagement ofthe pin with this edge of the'latch member causes the pin to rotate the element back toits original position. As the pin approaches theY lower end of the latch member, said memberis againswung under tension of the spring 15, whereby the` pin 11` may again move below said latch member. During the travel of the pin in thismanner, the valve element is rotated toagain misaline the flutes 2| with the ports 22, wherebythe flow of gas into the casingis again shut off. Thespring 31 is provided in thisforrrlandV functions in the same manner to urge the valve element upwardly. In addition, an auxiliaryy light spring1 31a is illustrated, this spring being disposed.- above the heavier spring 31.` With this arrangement, the heavy spring may be utilized to load the valve for obtaining the opening differential, thelighter or weaker spring 31a being' present to provide a wide range of flexibility in setting for the clos.- ing differential. In otherwords, the light spring controls the closing differentialand' theheavy spring aids the loadingto-obtain the largezop'en'- ing differential after the valveha-s rotatedito' a closure. Although the lighter springlildhas not been illustrated on the'form shown in Figures 1 to 19, it is obviousf that, iff' desired, it may be used thereon.

Still another form of mechanismy for imparting rotation to thevalve element is disclosed in Fig'- ures 24 to 31. In this form, anrelongate. sleeve h isv substituted for.i the sleeve 50m disclosedin Figure 20, and said: sleeve` is` formedi with. an

elongate slot or opening in one side thereof. A plate Il' covers the opening 80- and has a pair of guide members l2 secured to its inner face, such guide membersl projecting into the opening 8B. As is clearly shown in Figure 24, the guide members 8e2 are arranged so as to form a vertical passage 83: at one side of the opening 89 and a second vertical passage 84 at the opposite sideof said; opening. These vertical passages are connectedzby aninclined passage 85 near their upper endY andl are also connected` at their lower end due to=thefact that the lower guide member 82 terminatesV short of the lower endof the slot 80a The opposite side ofthe sleeve 50h is formed with a narrow slot 86 which has a vertical portion 81 at its lower end and a vertical portion 88- at its upper end, said portion' being connected by an inclined portionv 99.

The piston 20'- ofl the valve element is formed with a head 9|)l which is located' abovev the seatingV surf-acel 24 at the' upper end of said piston; The: head` has-.- the extension' 32 threaded thereinto, as,1 isclearly showni in Figure 27. The head is provided with anv upwardly extending annular flange 9|?, which flange is provided with slots 92 and 93;, asy is clearly shown in Figures 28 to 3-1. A cap member 94 isrotatable on the lower end of the extension' 32 and is provided with a depending flange Sii-which surrounds the flangeV 9|-, The flange 95fis formed with slots or openings 92a andA 93a, whichv slots, are complementary tothe slotsl92- and 93' of the flange 9|. A coil spring 98 isfwound around thefextension 32 and is confined below. the cap member 94 and within the flange 9|. One end 96a of t-he spring is bent radially outwardly and-abuts one end of the slots 92 and 92a1of the'flanges` 9| and 95. The opposite' end 96h of the spring 96 is bent outwardly soas to engage one end of theV slots- 93; and 93a of the flanges- 9I- and 95. Obviously, with this arrangement;` a rotation: of either one of the members 9|l'or ,94- will result in placing the torsion spring 98y under tension, whereby the force of saidfspring will always tend.V to maintain the parts in aliney ment' witheach other, that is, with the slots 92 and92a; as well as'the slots' 93 and 93a, in-alined DDSOIX:

Thehead whichis preferably made integral with the. valve element 2|lf is provided with a radially extending pinl 91, which pin extends outwardly into the slot 80 yand is adapted to traverse the passages- 83, 84 and 85.I formed therein by theguidemembers 82f. The cap member 94 is provided withafsimilar pin rwhich rides within theinclined slot Si'which is formed/in the oppo site side of the sleeve member 50h.

In thefoperationfof this form, when the valve elementis.- in its-1owered position, as shown in Figure'245vthepin 9-1 isat one-side of the slot V8l below. theguide members 82. At' thisv time, the flutes' 2|.- in th'e'valve-member 20 'are alined with the` outlet ports 22' in.` the wall of the cylinder I3. It is noted. that` in the other forms herein.- before? described, when the valve element islowered,` the. flutesv are misalihed. However, inthe present formsaid flutes are'in alined position -sosthatvther onlyf seal is at theseatingsurface 24Jz Atvthe time that'the pin 91 is'in the position shown' inEigure 24,1the pin 9'8.\whichiis' secured to;the' cap'` member 9'4lis in a position' shown in Figure 25'.' Atthis time, the' torsion spring 96'1is as shown inFigure ZSWith-Yth flanges-9| andl95 having; their respective slots alinea-with each other:

the --valve'felement 23 is moved upwardly by the differential" npfesfes' diefeacfjss; the pin 91 moves upwardly into the passage: 83

'formed between onefvertiealedgefof the slot 80 indicated at 91a in Figure 24. During the" time that the pin 91 is completingitsmovement to this position,` thepin 98 and the `eapmember 94 is traversing the inclined portion 89 of {thefs/lot' ment is guided'in nimm/einem?anglaise; ifit L'provided by means oithe guide membersjSZ." 'It is again noted that in this form of thejinventioni 85 and then travels upwardlythroughthelvertical portionl 88. Asthepinfmoves through the inclined portionA 89 or the lslotte, a rotation is imparted 'tothe cap member 9 4, Iwhereby said cap 'member rotates with relation to the head 90; The head is, ofcours'ejheld stationary-'by the connement offthis pin SlT-within the pas.

sage" 83.

The rotation of the oapmember 94 with'relay tion to the headS causes `a winding ofthe torsion spring 9S, as is clearlyishown in Figure 29, whereby said springisplaced under pressure. Theparts remain in this position until a downward-movement of rthe valve velement occurs.v Upon such a downward'm'ovement, the pin 91 which is securedto the head 98, travels downwardly along the edge of the upper guide merri-v ber 82, and due yto thel pressure of the spring which is tending "to rotate the head 99, said pin moves downwardly into the inclined passage 85. Such downward movement of the pin imparts a rotation to vthe `valve element 29, whereby the flutes r2| in said element are misalined with the outlet ports 22 and aflow of gas is shut oi. It is pointed out 'that at the time thatv the pin 91 moves to the position 97h within the passage 85, the pin 93 on the cap memberis in the position indicated at b'in Figure `25.' In such position, it is still holding the end Qbof the springy Sin the position shownin Figure-29. "Manifestlyga continued downward `movement of tl1e'va1ve'ele-- mentwill Cause the pin 91 to move downwardlyv through the passage 84 to thelower end of the slot 88. By'the timethe pin Q'lhas `moved into the passage 84, a suiieient` rotation has v been v throughthe passageB, the pin 98 onthewcapi member 94 again' travelsj downwardly through the inclined portion 89 'of the slotl 88. Such travel` of the pin through the inclined portion ofv this' slotresults in a rotation ofthe cap 'member 94' with relation to the head'Sil, wherebyv the spring 9E is again placed under tension asis shown in Figure 31. At this time, the yhead 9B cannot be rotatedbecause the pin Slis confined in the passage till.V ``Il.ow`ever, as soon as said pin leaves the lower endofthe passage 84, the tension of the spring immediately rotates the head 90 and the valve element to the position shown in Figures 24 and 28. Such rotation againr 'alinesthe utes 2| ofV the valveelement with Ythe outlet` ports `22 but the gas is shut oi from the casing bythe seating surface 24 engaging its seat 25.

From the foregoing itwill be obvious that the torsional spring 9E is utilized to impart vthe necessary rotation to the valve element 2l).4` The ele-- the yllite's 2l arealined with "thev outlet'ports 22 when the valve 'isf in its lowered orl closedposi-` tion,the shutting offof th'e1gas beingj eiected by theY -seating surface 24I fand the' seatr` 2 5. zWhen th'evalve reaches the 'upper end (of itsmovement and begins adownward'movemenh'it `is rotated so `as` to misaline the flutes and shutfjofi' the )ad `mission of gas. Uponreaching the lower endfof its travel, a rotationis impartedto again aline the' flutes, but only after the-seat 24 has shut-off thegas. It is notedthatin this form of the in#V 'vention the inclined passage 3 45 maybe iinclined in adirection opposite to that shown s o that the valve will be caused to close. on the build lup'fof pressure y under the 'column of I fluid,\"while the valve element-ismovingfupwardly :The pin :91,

yiollowing'the slot 85 would closeA the `gas passage' by rotating the 'valve 'elementi to misali'nethe' ports. L' Wu" AIn all forms'. of the"invention@theadvantages of a` rotary anda sliding 'valve are combined. Also,` in all forms, thediferentials 'iat`which'the valveelementare opened andclosed'maygbe of different values predetermined" and establis hed,A Although only a sing-lewalve` has beenshown and described, it is obvious that apluralityl of valves may be connectedina well tubing or flow string, the valves being properly spaced in Isuperposed relation'in the usual manner. In -such case, said valves would function'asfow valves for ilowinghigh volume wellsand'lach'lv'alve may be adjusted so as toihave thepredeterm'ined opening and closingdiferential,in accordance with the particular-flow conditionsLl V 1 The foregoing descriptionv of the" iriventionds'v explanatory thereof'andvarious changes in the' size, shapeandlmaterals, as Swell as the de?- tails of the `illustrated construction may be made, within thescope of the appendedclaims, without departing fromv thefspiritA ofthe inventionJ-f- `What VI claim anddesirefto secure by-Lett'ers Patentis: f

l1. -A flow apparatus includinga tubular valve body having al passage therein with vlateral ports'Y extending'lirom 'the passage; a valve velement having a sliding fit withinth'e passage andH havingits'upper end exposed to the pressure'there--k above and its lower' end exposfd/tol theivressureVA inthe passage below the element so as to be actu-` atedby the diierential in `pressures on opposite sides thereof, `said element' having vertical iiow passagestherein which are adapted to v,bei alinedwith the lateral ports to-permit a flow past-the` elementand outwardly through the ports and also being arranged to be-"misalinedlwith-said ports to shut off the flow; andmearis `for rotat; ing the valve element upon`v its initial movement toward-an openposition sofas -to aline the ow passages with the ports, said llast Snamed. means also imparting rotation-tothe 'elementi upon initialmovenient toward cla Vclosed po'sitionf whereby. 4

thereabove and its lower end exposedto the Cprese; Y

sure in thefpassagebelow the element soas` tothe.

volume, whereby the dierentials at which the valve is actuated are unaffected by such change.

9. A well flow device including in combination with a well liquid conductor and a lifting gas conductor, a tubular body connected with the gas conductor and having a lateral outlet port for emitting the lifting gas into the liquid conductor, 'a valve element slidable within the bore of the body and co-acting with the port for controlling the flow of gas through the port, means for exposing the upper end of the valve element to the pressure of the gas in the gas conductor means for exposing the lower end of said element to the pressure of the well liquid in the liquid conductor whereby the valve element is operable by the differential in such pressures, a heavy loading spring associated with the element and exerting its force to urge the valve to an open position and being capable of adjustment to obtain the desired opening diiferential, a relatively light spring also associated with the element and adjustable independently of the heavy spring, said light spring providing for increased iiexibility in varying the closing differential for the valve element, and an adjustable stop for limiting the movement of the element during its opening movement, whereby the amount of expansion .of the springs during such opening movement may be varied to control the pressure differential which is required to cause the valve element to be moved toward its closed position.

10. A well flow device including in combination with a well liquid conductor and a lifting gas conductor, a tubular body connected with the gas conductor and having a lateral outlet port for emitting the lifting gas into `the liquid conductor, a combination rotary and slide Valve element within the bore of the body and co-acting with the port for controlling the flow of gas through the port, means for exposing the upper end of the valve element tothe pressure of the gas in the gas conductor, means for exposing the lower end of said element to the pressure of the well liquid in the liquid conductor whereby said element is operable by vthe differential in such pressures, a movable sleeve within the body surrounding the valve element and having an inclined slot therein, a pin on the valve element engageable within the slot, and clutching means actuated by longitudinal movement of the valve element for locking the sleeve against movement upon the initial travel of the valve in either direction, whereby the pin co-acts with the slot upon such initial travel of the valve element to impart a rotation to the element and thereby affect opening or closing of the outlet port to control ilow through said port.

11. A well now device including in combination with a well liquid conductor and a lifting gas conductor, a tubular body connected with the gas conductor and having a lateral outlet port for emitting the lifting gas into the liquid conductor, a combination rotary and slide valve element within the bore of the body and co-acting with the port for controlling the flow of gas through the port, means for exposing the upper end of the valve element tothe pressure of the gas in the gas conductor, means for exposing the lower end of said element to the pressure of the well liquid in the liquid conductor whereby the valve element is operable by the differential in such pressures, a movable sleeve within thebody surrounding the valve element and having an inclined slot therein, a pin on the valve element engageable within the slot, and clutching means actuated by longitudinal movement of the valve element for locking the sleeve against movement upon the initial travel of the valve in either direction, whereby the pin co-acts with the slot upon such initial travel of the valve element to impart a rotation to the element and thereby affect opening or closing ofthe outlet part to control fiow through said part, said clutching means being constructed so as to automatically release the sleeve when the pin has traversed the slot and rotation of the valve element is complete, whereby further longitudinal movement of the valve element through the body is possible.

l2. A well flow device including in combination with a well liquid conductor and a lifting gas conductor, a tubular body connected with the gas conductor` and having a lateral outlet port for emitting the lifiting gas into the liquid conductor, a combination rotary and slide valve element within the bore of the body and co-actng with the port for controlling the ow of gas through the port, means for exposing the upper end of the valve element to the pressure of the gas in the gas conductor, means for exposing the lower end of said element to the pressure of the well liquid in the liquid conductor whereby said valve element is Yoperable by the differential in such pressures, a stationary sleeve within the body surroundingthe valve element and having a vertical opening therein, a latch mounted in the opening and pivoted at substantially mid-height thereof, whereby the spaces between the vertical edges of the opening and the longitudinal edges of the latch form passages, a exible means y holding the latch in an inclined :position with the lower end of said latch in engagement with one vertical edge of the opening, and a pin on the valve element movable within the passages formed between the latch and edges of the openf ing and adapted to co-act with these parts to affect a rotation of the valve element upon longitudinal movement thereof.

13. A well iiow device including in combination with a well liquid conductor and a lifting gas conductor, a tubular body connected with the gas conductor and having a lateral outlet port for emitting the lifting gas into the liquid conductor, a combination rotary and slide valve element within the bore of the body and co-acting with the port for controlling the flow of gas through the port, means for'exposing the upper end of the valve element to the pressure of the gas in the gas conductor, means for exposing the lower end of said valve element to the pressure of the well liquid in the liquid conductor whereby the valve element is operable by the differential in such pressures, a stationary sleeve surrounding the valve element and having vertical passages therein, said vertical passages being connected by an inclined lateral passage at their upper ends andv by a horizontal passage at their lower ends, a ipin carried by the valve element and movable through the passages to impart a rotation to said element upon longitudinal move-V ment thereof, and a torsion spring associated with the valve element for causing the pin to move through the lateral passages when it is alined therewith, whereby rotation of the valve element is assured.

HANS C. GLITSCH. 

